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dated September 4, 1957: Special laws in Kashmir

Prime Minister Nehru explained in the Lok Sabha on September 2 why only “genuine Kashmiris” can own land in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. While dealing with the criticism against special laws in Kashmir which were not found in the rest of India, Mr. Nehru referred to ownership of land and said: “It is an odd thing – against our Constitution – that I cannot go and buy land or possess land in Kashmir. It is restricted to genuine Kashmiris. For this, they have special definitions, people who have been there for two or three generations. But I can very well understand this rule.” Mr. Nehru recalled that it was a “very old rule” framed by former Maharajas to prevent the ruling British and the moneyed classes from buying up all the “delectable spots” in the State to the disadvantage of the poor Kashmiris. Some 30 or 40 years ago a concession had been made that in one place – in Gulmarg – an Englishman could build a cottage. But even there, after ten years, the cottage would lapse to the State.

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